Making Up for Lost Time Monday – April 13 Devotions

Yes, when I started writing this, it was Monday. And it felt like a “making up for lost time” day — with being sick all of last week, and still not quite 100 percent healthy, it seems like many things have fallen by the wayside. I need to some how balance making up for lost time and not overdoing it, so I don’t risk having a relapse.

Now onto today’s belated devotional shares. Remember, as always, you can read Psalms and Proverbs to accompany each day on my page, Daily Scripture Readings.

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-1-

“Do you ever wonder why God does not always deliver you from your bondage and problems immediately?

Sometimes you must endure for awhile, be patient, and continue in faith. Thank God, during those times in which the Lord decides for whatever reason not to deliver you right away, He always gives the grace and strength you need to press on toward eventual victory.”

–Joyce Meyer in “Ending Your Day Right”

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-2-

“Anxious thoughts make the day evil. If you expect to have a dismal day, you will be unpleasant yourself. Evil forebodings ruin the day, but faith makes the heart glad and brings miraculous results. If you want to have a good day, raise your expectations to be in line with God’s Word.”

–Joyce Meyer in “Starting Your Day Right”

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-3-

“Lack of preparation is one of the major causes for low confidence. Being prepared requires working ahead of time instead of putting things off until the last minute. This same scenario happens to many people in life. They procrastinate until it is too late to take advantage of an opportunity that could have been a tremendous blessing to them. Knowing you are prepared for whatever comes will increase your confidence in an amazing way.

Pray: Lord, help me to be diligent and prepared for the opportunities You will bring my way. I want to walk in the confidence that I am always ready to go. Amen.”

–Joyce Meyer in “The Confident Woman Devotional”

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-1- Yes, I admit, I do wonder…and sometimes I think I need a few extra doses of grace and strength during the waiting period!

-2- Evil forebodings…even the phrase sounds ominous and I have certainly experienced this, unfortunately, especially recently. Time to look up and raise my expectations!

-3- I can so relate to this one, too. I have battled against procrastination and lack of preparation (obviously!) my whole adult life – maybe even in my teens. It’s a difficult stronghold to pull down and overcome, but I know God has promised to help with that.

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So what are YOUR thoughts? Do you find it difficult to be patient and maintain faith during difficult times?

Have you ever experienced “evil forebodings” that plagued you all day until you asked God for help?

Are you a good manger of time, or do you also struggle with procrastination and lack of preparation?

I rarely fall into despair, usually seeing the best side of everything and discounting a momentary glitch. Sometimes, my pain prevents me from walking more than a step at a time. But I know the discomfort won’t last. Sure enough, after about 5 days of agony last week, I can walk again and help my husband without suffering too much pain myself.